Organization brings back annual bike challenge

Villa Pierrot, an organization contributing to the improvement of the living conditions of young single-parent mothers with children under the age of five, announced the return of its Rouler à Vélo challenge from Aug. 23 to 29, 2021.

The challenge takes place on a 218 kilometre route through the Memphrémagog MRC. The organization encourages amateur and expert cyclists to pedal during the week and raise funds for young singleparent women to help them fulfill lifelong projects.

Villa Pierrot is also the only organization in the Memphrémagog MRC to offer transitional housing for 21 families. On Aug. 29, the challenge will be reserved for Villa Pierrot residents and their children. They will also reveal the amount raised throughout the week.

The organization is aiming to raise $30,000 this year. According to a press release, people can register as a solo rider, in a quartet, or in a group of eight by visiting www.rouleravelo.org. This year’s event will also focus on the environment with the Ride to Get Around Initiative.

The idea is to encourage people to ditch their cars, and instead use a bicycle or a more active method of transportation, when taking kids to school, heading downtown, or to a restaurant. People can share their experience via social media using the hashtag #Roulerpoursedéplacer.

Villa Pierrot has raised close to $260,000 since it was established in 2010. Money raised has been used to fund programming, which includes awareness workshops on health, selfesteem, financial autonomy, and socioprofessional integration.